Felipe Massa will race in Formula E next season

He’s back. Felipe Massa has once again un-retired from motorsport and announced he will race for the Venturi Formula E team for the sport’s fifth season. That kicks off later this year.

And we’re glad to see him back behind the wheel in a series that’s becoming increasingly competitive – and compelling. Next season, Formula E’s cars will not only look wild, but also have a bigger battery and more performance. Massa’s signed on when things are becoming faster still.

We’re told Massa – who nearly, nearly became Formula 1 world champion back in 2008 were in not for Lewis Hamilton’s last corner heroics in Brazil – is said to “play a vital role in Venturi’s strategy, with six months to go until the new season starts”.

Massa’s on a three-year deal with the Formula E team, and later this month will kick-start his electric racing career in a private test session of the VFE 05. Understandably, the man can’t wait to get racing.

“For some years now, I’ve been clear about my interest in this innovative, forward-looking discipline that’s developing exponentially,” he said. “I especially like the format of the race meetings, the city-centre circuits and the contact with the fans.

“I’ll do everything I can to contribute to the project and hopefully I’ll be among the front-runners,” he added.

His boss, Gildo Pastor, president of Venturi Automobiles and the Formula E team, added: “Felipe’s 15 years of experience in Formula 1 will definitely give us a boost. And with his humble nature, I know he will listen to the team and master the discipline quickly.”